The Topo MTN Racer 4 may look much like model 3, nevertheless it’s what’s beneath the hood and beneath your foot that makes all of the distinction. If the earlier model left you wanting a safer match, this replace is likely to be precisely what you’ve been ready for. I’ve really by no means run within the MTN Racer 3, however I’ve heard tales concerning the match and trip.
If you happen to’re new to Topo, the model has at all times embraced its personal lane: vast toe containers, decrease drops, and easy design decisions that attraction to runners who need connection to the bottom with out sacrificing safety. The MTN Racer sequence matches neatly into that philosophy, however with model 3, it drifted a bit too far into “path consolation” and misplaced a few of its technical edge.
Now, model 4 brings again what labored whereas addressing previous gripes, primarily across the match and safety by means of the heel and midfoot. It’s nonetheless the identical MTN Racer DNA, simply higher.
Earlier than attempting the Topo MTN Racer 4, I had a number of questions:
Does the Topo MTN Racer 4 have an enormous replace? I wouldn’t essentially name it huge, nevertheless it does have an replace to actually improve efficiency.
Does the Topo MTN Racer 4 match true to dimension? Sure. Topo is usually a wider final, nevertheless it does match true to dimension. And bonus, it doesn’t really feel sloppy.
What’s the Topo MTN Racer 4 made for? It’s undoubtedly a path shoe that you would be able to run quick in. You need to use it for day by day jogs too…however for probably the most profit, it’s a sooner path operating shoe.
Now let’s get into an trustworthy Topo MTN Racer 4 shoe assessment.
Fast Information
Weight: 10.1 oz
Drop: 5 mm
Stack Top: 33 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
Value: $155
Finest For: Lengthy path runs, day by day mileage, and average technical terrain
Topo MTN Racer 4 Match
If you happen to ran within the earlier variations, you’ll be delighted to know the match is loads higher. The higher materials remains to be an engineered mesh with a sturdy really feel and first rate airflow, however the form and maintain have been refined. Essentially the most noticeable distinction is the improved lockdown. The heel counter is taller, curves away from the Achilles, and affords a greater grip with out digging in. Hooray as somebody whose calcaneus stress fracture got here from an infected achilles.
By way of the midfoot, the shoe feels extra exact. Topo eliminated among the extra quantity that made model 3 really feel a bit of sloppy on off-camber trails. The replace brings again the boldness you need when bombing down rocky singletrack. You continue to get Topo’s signature roomy toe field, so you probably have high-volume toes or like house to splay, you’re in luck.
In trainers, I put on between a girls’s dimension 10-11 vast. Within the Topo MTN Racer 4, I discovered the ladies’s dimension 11 to suit effectively. I admire the replace to make the Topo MTN Racer 4 match extra true to dimension and never really feel like there was a ton of extra shoe for no motive.
On one other notice, they are saying to not purchase a shoe by the colour however I do love the purple colour of the Topo MTN Racer 4. We haven’t seen a ton of trainers this colour, so it’s at all times enjoyable if you get one thing like that.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Experience
The midsole is the place the magic occurs, and fortuitously Topo didn’t overhaul the froth. The acquainted ZipFoam feels barely firmer and extra responsive in model 4. It’s not a max-cushion shoe, however the trip is protecting and easy throughout various terrain. There’s no rock plate, however the firmer foam and thicker outsole assist buffer sharp edges effectively.
The 5 mm drop is a candy spot for runners who like a bit of help on descents however nonetheless need a extra pure really feel. The stack peak balances floor really feel with consolation: splendid for average to technical trails with out being overkill.
The MTN Racer 4 does greatest on terrain the place you want traction and management. It feels at house on dry, technical trails with rocks, roots, and average elevation modifications. I run within the Mojave Desert, and I’ve discovered it nice for day by day runs on the sandy trails. I hardly ever have any points. If you’re dwelling in a drier local weather (hooray desert dwellers), you will discover it to be an amazing selection for trails. That’s to not say it’s a foul selection for moist trails, and it could possibly deal with these high quality, nevertheless it simply performs a bit higher on dry trails.
The place does the Topo MTN Racer 4 match into my rotation? It’s a quick, day by day path shoe. As somebody who lives in one of many driest areas on the planet, I admire that it could possibly deal with any of the desert trails. I really feel like I’ve management after I’m operating, and I’m in a position to climb up and down trails as wanted with none points. I actually benefit from the trip, and I’ve additionally used it on some hikes with no points. It’s simply been a enjoyable path shoe.
For my first expertise within the shoe, I took it on a brief hike. I knew instantly it could be an superior path operating shoe. My first true to run was a number of days later within the desert and it was a lot enjoyable. I climbed up a desert sand dunes with no points and it felt good all the time. Since then I’ve logged a number of runs in it from longer runs (10+ miles) to shorter sooner work and it’s been enjoyable every time. There hasn’t been a run I’ve thought: I want I had one thing else.
Outsole
Vibram Megagrip is again with 5 mm lugs, and whereas the sample hasn’t modified, efficiency remains to be stable. It bites into filth, gravel, and technical terrain effectively. Sometimes I’ll run to/from my native trails (about half a mile a method), and I can say I don’t love operating on pavement. If you happen to’re doing a lot of that, I might in all probability steer clear.
Nonetheless, the outsole is protecting and sturdy. The thicker rubber provides a little bit of underfoot safety that usually requires a rock plate, so there’s little to complain about except you’re venturing into the muck continuously. I’ve already put about 100 miles on the Topo MTN Racer 4, and I count on it to final at the very least 400.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Shoe Evaluate Conclusion
The Topo MTN Racer 4 doesn’t attempt to be flashy or overbuilt, however the enhancements in match and safety make a noticeable distinction the place it counts. I at all times admire when manufacturers take buyer suggestions into consideration. It holds its personal on technical terrain, handles lengthy miles with out concern, and nonetheless affords that roomy toe field Topo followers count on. If you happen to gave up on the MTN Racer after model 3, this one is price one other look.
Who Ought to Purchase the Topo MTN Racer 4
Path runners who need a versatile shoe with grip and luxury
Followers of a roomy toe field however want higher midfoot and heel lockdown
Runners who log huge mileage on various terrain
Who Ought to Not Purchase the Topo MTN Racer 4
Mud runners who want a shoe that sheds thick clay shortly
Street-to-trail runners who need a hybrid tread sample
Minimalist runners searching for one thing decrease and extra stripped down
My Present Shoe Rotation:
Simple/Each day Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Lengthy Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Levels Eleos Shoe Evaluate
Path Working/Mountaineering: Topo MTN Racer 4,361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios professional 4, 361 Levels Livid Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Quick-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
Interested in how I do gear evaluations? You possibly can examine that right here.
You Can See All Present Shoe Opinions Right here.
Seeking to study extra about trainers? In my book, I speak about why you want operating shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, impartial vs. steady, and even myths of trainers.
Questions for you:
Have you ever tried the Topo MTN Racer 4?
What’s your favourite path operating shoe?
